An 81-year-old woman has had both legs amputated following a July 7 incident where an SUV plowed into the outdoor dining area of a Los Angeles restaurant. Cristina Vargas and her daughter Gabriela were dining with a friend at Los Cinco Puntos in Boyle Heights when the vehicle reportedly struck them.
Surveillance footage captured the SUV heading toward the outdoor seating area before veering onto the sidewalk and crashing into the table where Vargas and her companions were seated. Screeching tires are audible just before the impact, which sent debris flying. Gabriela Vargas described hearing the noise, seeing headlights and a bumper, and then a loud impact, recalling being thrown through the air.
Cristina Vargas was pinned beneath the vehicle. After undergoing three surgeries, her legs were amputated due to the severity of her injuries. Gabriela Vargas sustained a head injury and a knee laceration, while their male friend also suffered injuries. All three victims were transported to a hospital.
Police have stated that the driver was allegedly impaired at the time of the crash. The female suspect was arrested and faces multiple felony charges.
While Gabriela Vargas and their friend have reportedly recovered from their injuries, Cristina Vargas faces a lengthy rehabilitation period. She is currently undergoing physical therapy at a recovery center and is preparing to return home. Despite the amputation, her family reports that Vargas remains determined.
A GoFundMe campaign established to assist with her medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and home accessibility needs had raised approximately $27,000 toward a $50,000 goal as of Sunday morning. An update on August 17 indicated that her recovery was progressing slowly but that she maintained a hopeful spirit, with the family expressing gratitude for the support.
Cristina Vargas is described by her family as a vibrant and social individual who enjoyed dancing and participating in activities at a senior center. The financial campaign highlights the challenges she faces due to the sudden loss of mobility and the associated costs.